Los Penasquitos
Rancho de Los Penasquitos

Los Penasquitos Canyon County Preserve

12020 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92129
Park: (858) 484-7504
Hours: 8 a.m. – sunset, daily
Pedestrian access is available from sunrise to sunset, daily. No public vehicle access or restroom availability on December 25. The staging area at Black Mountain Road is open to both vehicle and equestrian parking.

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve is beautiful year-round, with an ecosystem unlike any other in San Diego County. Managed jointly by the County and City of San Diego, trails sit on either side of a bubbling creek feeding a dense grove of riparian plants and trees. Fields of native chaparral sit outside the groves, butting up against suburban development – an oasis frequently visited by local hikers, cyclists and equestrians. Trail users can take single track trails near the creek with near constant shade, or venture out to a wider, sunnier trail and access road. Visitors in the spring may be lucky to see a flowing waterfall at the west end of the preserve where the paths meet.

There are approximately 12 miles of trails in this 3,700-acre preserve which also connects to an historic adobe ranch house featuring a museum, community garden and small collection of farm animals, making it a perfect spot for weddings and special events.

Support restoration efforts by following the signs and staying on designated paths.  

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